The Diner of Love
3503 Angel Square Court
Llanview, PA  

"Nothin' Could Be Finer Than Some Lovin' In the Diner"
"There ain't no lovin' like some diner lovin', hey ho"

What can I get you?

Coffee's a dollar

I hope you like whip cream.

I just love the Voice of the Night. We have this special connection.

The Next Act
Tessarae87

CHAPTER FIVE

“Well, damn, girl. I guess it’s good you and Brody split up. It would drive me insane to see all these trampy looking women staring at my man like that, especially dressed like that.”

“I see you dressed for the occasion.”

Layla lifted her shoulders and thrust out her chest. “Well, I look good in leather. But my girls aren’t hanging out and my butt cheeks are safely hidden behind that leather unlike some of those women over there.”

“Tell yourself what you need to.”

“Do you have a point?”

Gigi grinned at her.

“Whatever,” Layla said and then pointed to the other side of the large showroom. “Look at Shane. He’s just beaming he’s so proud. Is Rex here? I heard he got back, I think. I haven’t seen him here though. Wasn’t he supposed to bring Shane to this as a kind of looking for neutral ground sort of thing between Shane’s ‘fathers?’”

“Yeah. He was supposed to but then he got this call and said it was an emergency and he couldn’t come.”

“Long distance call?”

“Why?”

“Nothing.”

Gigi took a deep breath, dipped her head to the right, and angled her body so she could face Layla. “Is something going on?” she asked.

“Really, I don’t know anything for sure so. You know, I should really keep my mouth shut. It’s not like she’s called me back.”

“Who?”

“Adriana. I just didn’t have the time or money to come. She’s not exactly happy.”

“Come where?”

“To Paris. She’s throwing this big fancy dress party tomorrow night. Really elegant affair but small and ritzy. I just didn’t have time to fly to France for a party and then fly home. Girlfriend is so much better than she was six months ago but she still sometimes spells ‘me’ with capital letters and bolds it before she underlines it.”

“So you think Rex was invited to this party?”

“I don’t think so. In fact, I know he wasn’t. She specifically told me not to mention it to him, so I didn’t. Her mom went over but I can’t imagine she’d tell Rex the time of day. So I don’t think that’s what he’s doing but to be truthful I have never been able to figure him out and the two of them together is like confusion personified.”

“Together?”

“You know what I mean.”

Shane ran up to Gigi. “Hey, Mom! Isn’t this place neat?”

Gigi nodded. “Did you speak to Layla?”

“Sorry. Hey, Layla. I like your outfit.”

Layla beamed. “Thank you, young sir.”

“Anyway didn’t Dad do a great job, mom. He made all of the decisions about the bikes and stuff. Did you see that black FXD Dyna SuperGlide? It is so cool. And I like it almost as much as the FLSTN Softail Deluxe. I can’t decide whether to get a blue one or black one. I can’t wait until I’m old enough to ride it.”

“Wait a minute, young man. Your father and I have an agreement. The only way I agreed to this shop thing was as long as he agreed that you cannot ride a motorcycle until you are at least eighty.”

“Sixteen”

“Twenty-eight”

Shane winked at her. “Okay. And he said if I do some drawings of the bikes he’ll have them framed and put them in the lobby. How cool is that?”

“Pretty cool,” Layla said and grinned.

Gigi cut her eye at her then said, “Don’t get your hopes up. I’m sure Brody was just being nice.”

“No. He’s not like that. He means it. And he’s been telling everyone I’m his son.”

“Well, you are.”

“I know.”

“Have you heard from your father?”

“Rex? Yeah, he called here and I talked to him. He said he was going out of town again and he’ll get in touch with me or something later.”

“Did he say where he was going?”

“Nope. Just said he couldn’t be here.”

“Okay.”

Layla glanced at her and raised her eyebrow. Gigi ignored her.

“And, Mom, have you met Dad’s friend Toliver? He was a Seal, too. He is so cool. He told me I look like Brody even though he knows he’s not my real dad. He says my dad was the best there was in their unit.”

Gigi exhaled. The Brody worship thing was only going to get worse, it seemed.

“And he’s gonna talk to me and tell me all sorts of stories tonight when we go out to dinner. You’re gonna come too, right?”

“Well, Shane, I’m not sure if—“

“Dad wants you to. I know he does. And you can see how great everyone thinks he is. And you can come, too, Layla. Maybe you’ll meet someone.”

“Shane!”

“What? I just want her to be happy, too.”

“Leave the child alone,” Layla said. “Is that one of your Dad’s friends over there against the wall? The one rocking that tight, black t-shirt with the wings on it?”

“Sure is. His name is Kyle but everyone calls him K-Man. He knows everything there is to know about explosives. He lives in Maryland.”

“I guess that explains the wings,” Gigi said.

Layla ignored her and focused on Shane. “Is he married?”

“I don’t know, but if he is, she’s not here.”

Gigi sighed. “Layla, will you stop encouraging this behavior.”

“Spoken like a woman who’s got too many menfolk.”

“Are you ladies being taken care of?”

Gigi felt her breath catch. It was Brody and he looked so damn good she had to force herself to stay focused. He was just wearing jeans and a t-shirt and a Midnight Motors leather jacket but he just looked so--

“Hey, Brody,” Layla said. “This place is great. And you look good. Like that jacket. It brings out your eyes.”

“Why, Miss Williamson, are you flirting with me?”

“With all these women staring at you, I’m surprised you noticed.”

He laughed. Gigi could have sworn that his eyes twinkled. She didn’t really like this.

Sarah walked up behind him and put a hand on his shoulder. “They’re here. I need some advice on where you want them.”

Brody nodded. He glanced at Gigi and then at Layla. “Thanks for coming. I’ve got to go help the band set up. The food is coming in a minute and the party is going to get started for real.” He looked at Shane. “I’ll check with you later, son.”

“No. I’m coming, too,” Shane said and ran next to Sarah.

Brody glanced at Gigi. “Is that okay?”

“Sure,” she said but her heart was trapped in her throat as she looked at the three of them. Was that a Midnight Motors jacket Sarah was wearing?

Brody nodded at her and then the three of them walked away.

“You okay, girl?”

“Yeah.”

“If you say so, but if Brody was my man, I’d pry Sarah’s hands off of him with a blowtorch if necessary. That’s all I’m saying. I think girlfriend bought a case of Super Glue the other day or something.”

“We’re separated.”

“You don’t have to tell me that. Sarah announces it every five minutes. And my god have you seen that friend of his Shane was talking about? That Toliver? He is drop dead gorgeous. Those eyes, that chest, those thighs. Swoon, girlfriend. The Seals should do a calendar and he could be six months and Brody could be the other six months.”

Gigi frowned. “What’s going on with you, Layla? Why do you keep going on and on about how good Brody looks and all?”

Layla dipped her head, bit her lower lip and then looked her in the eye. “I guess I just want you to know,” she said softly, “what you’re throwing away.”

“What?” Gigi asked as she looked at the woman who was named Grace and who was openly staring at her.

They were on the back deck of the Purple Dolphin Bar & Grill. There were tables, chairs, white lights, and neon palm trees on the exposed brick outer wall the restaurant that faced the deck. Despite all of that the deck was empty except for the two of them. Inside on the other hand, a raucous party was at full tilt. Brody and his buddies were showing the civilians how to rock a house.

Grace took a puff on her cigarette and exhaled. “I’m just glad you’re not the other one, though I do I have to ask why you’re out here and she’s in there all framed up next to him. We thought she was you for a long time there.”

“Did she tell you they were together?”

“Nope. Just based on her body language and such. And on the way she tends to snarl at any female that gets too close to him.”

“So Brody told you I was a snarl-er?”

Grace laughed. “I do like you. I wasn’t sure I would but Toliver told me to give you a chance.”

“He and Brody are good friends?”

“More. They served together and got that bond that goes deeper than even being brothers. They’re close.”

She nodded. “He never mentioned him.”

“Well, he sure mentioned you. Heard everything about you.”

“Everything?”

“Well, he talks to Toliver and Toliver talks to me some.” She shrugged. “It’s not like they actually talk a lot but they seem to be able to read each other, you know. I mean he called after you lost the baby and I swear they exchanged two sentences about the weather or water tides or something but when Toliver and I talked about it later it’s like they’d talked for two hours or something. They just know each other.”

“Have you and Toliver been married long?”

“Coming up on four years.”

“How did you meet him?”

Grace smiled. “Brody. We were an item for a while, but the truth is Brody wasn’t really interested. But I was crazy about him. I never even thought about Toliver though I’d met him. He’s a pretty contained guy and he was the top dog, you know. I never thought he’d be interested in me in the least little bit, but Brody introduced us and next thing I knew we were dating.”

“How long did you and Brody date?”

“Only a few weeks. He was I swear the sweetest guy I’ve ever met. But you know what? He was still in love with you, even though he was as mad as hell and hurt.”

“He talked about me?”

“Only once—one night way too late, you know. He spilled how he was going to marry you and you dumped him.”

“I didn’t.”

“He didn’t know that at the time. It didn’t matter though. He was still loyal as hell. Toliver says that’s just his way. He’s the most committed guy he’s ever met. Once Brody decides on a course of action he commits and sticks through to the end. He doesn’t let obstacles turn him back or danger make him shift course and that’s what made him a great Seal.”

She nodded.

“But once he decides it’s over, it’s over. He’s rigid that way too.”

An uncomfortable sensation pricked at her consciousness. She locked her gaze on Grace. “Are you trying to tell me something?”

Grace shrugged. “You know he really wanted that baby, even though he knew the circumstances and how you felt and all. He wanted you, too. And my god he absolutely adores Shane.”

“I don’t really need you to tell me about what my husband felt.”

“What about what your ex-husband feels? You let him go this time, Gigi, and I believe he is truly gone for good.”

“Why do you care?”

“Because the only time I ever heard him totally happy was during those first couple of months after he married you. Happiness is so rare you need to hold onto it as long as you can. If there’s a chance to get that back, you can’t wait.”

“Are you happy with Toliver?”

Grace exhaled a burst of smoke from her lungs. “Touche,” she said. “I guess my nosey butt deserved that. But if you want the truth, I’m leaving him in the next month or so. Our fourth anniversary is next month and then I’m calling it quits.”

“What? Why?”

“Have you seen my husband?”

“Sure, but—“

“I’m not exactly supermodel material and there was never any real reason for him to be interested in me. He’s not like Brody. I mean he’s not a natural sweetheart. I don’t know why he married me, but I suspect the fact that Brody thought it was a good idea didn’t hurt.”

Gigi studied her for a second. Grace was short, that much was true, and bigger than a pencil, unlike most supermodels. But she had a head full of bouncing auburn curls and a substantial set of assets. Plus, her skin was so blemish free it almost looked like peach porcelain and her eyes were a striking shade of green. Yet she seemed not to understand what Toliver would see in her? What a crazy world.

 “I’m sorry.” Gigi said finally, “but men don’t just get married because someone recommends it.”

Grace shrugged. “Toliver’s not exactly a man who’s in touch with his feelings. I suspect what he feels for the men in his old unit, the ones he served with, I mean, are the clearest emotions he ever experiences.”

For some reason this made her sad. “You don’t think he loves you?”

“To be honest, I don’t know. I know that sounds stupid but that’s how I feel. It’s like I’ve been working on borrowed time for almost four years now. Then last month I found out I can’t have children, not without a lot of treatments and stuff at least. I haven’t told him yet.”

“Why not? You don’t think he’d—“

“Have you seen my husband? God made him to father children. He was made to pass on his genes.”

“Oh, Grace, I don’t think you’re giving him enough credit. And things can change. I just got a call from a close friend of mine who thought she couldn’t have children, but after a surgical procedure she’s pregnant. It seems like a miracle but in fact it’s science.”

Grace stabbed out her cigarette in the ashtray. “He would say he’d stick by me through surgeries and treatments but the truth is that as soon as he knows I can’t have children, he’ll go out and stray to get that son he wants fast and without muss and fuss. And I can’t blame him but I can’t endure it while I have this ring on my finger. That’s why I’m taking it off and letting him go do what he needs to do.”

“That’s crazy.”

“Why? Because I love him enough to let him go so he can find happiness? Why? Because I’m not going to play games?”

She wasn’t even going to pretend that she didn’t get the message just slammed in her face. “You think I’m playing games with Brody?”

Grace lit another cigarette. “I think if you don’t love him, you should let him go. I mean really let him go. That little Sarah girl may not be the one in his heart at the moment, but that’s because there’s no space for anybody else right now.”

“I’ve already let him go.”

“Not really. But you can. And this time it will take. So if you don’t love him, let him go, Gigi. That’s all I’m saying.”

Was it? Was that all? “Are you in love with my husband?”

Grace exhaled a plume of smoke. “I love him. But that’s not the same.”

Gigi stared at her. She wasn’t at all sure that was true where Grace was concerned.

“Well, it just does my heart good to see that you and your little son are still thriving here in Viki’s carriage house.”

 “What do you want, Dorian.”

 “I also see that your manners remain as plebian as ever.” Dorian perched on the edge of couch. “I believe you should sit down, too, dear.”

 Gigi ignored her. “What do you want, Dorian?”

 “I just flew in from Paris.”

 “I bet your wings are tired.”

 “Really, Gigi. That’s even beneath you.”

 “Hmmmm Okay. Did you have a nice flight?”

 “Well, not as nice at should have been. I had a lovely flight over but a horrible flight back because of your paramour?”

 “My paramour?”

 “Rex Balsom”

 “What’s Rex got to do with anything?”

 “Exactly! That was my question, but it did not deter him from ruining Adriana’s wedding.”

 “Wedding? What wedding?”

 “My lovely daughter was set to marry a Spanish nobleman and then that ape broke in and dragged her away.”

 “What? Rex interrupted Adriana’s wedding?”

 “Yes. And I did everything I could to keep the information from him but somehow he found out. I mean everyone gathered in Paris and then we flew to Madrid, just as an extra measure. He was determined to find us. Ape.”

 “He tracked down the wedding?”

 “And then made a complete fool of himself, running in declaring his love like anyone cared what he felt.”

 “But Adriana left with him?”

 “Poor Carlos was devastated. I tried to explain to him that it was just a bit of temporary insanity.”

 “Why are you telling me this?”

 “I believe Rex has a right to know about Shane. I think it will temper his soul and bring him to his senses. They are in Monaco. I thought you and the little tyke could go over for a vacation. All expenses on me. I’m sure he will see clearly once he knows the truth about his progeny.”

 “He knows.”

 Dorian stood up. “What! How could he know? I know you didn’t tell him.”

 “Yes, I did.”

 “And yet he still came running after my sweet Adriana? What a selfish bastard.” Her eyes flashed but then she seemed to force herself to calm down. “It doesn’t really matter. He and Adriana are living in a bubble. As soon as he sees you and that sweet child he’ll change his mind and come on home. How long will it take you to pack?”

 “I’m not going anywhere.”

 Dorian raised her eyebrows and glared at her. Her expression was so intense that Gigi couldn’t help holding her breath.

 “You have the nerve to stand there and tell me you will not help me after all that money your hus-band stole from me?” Dorian hissed. “I will not have that. You get your behind upstairs and pack or I will file fraud charges—“

 “What’s going on here?”

 It was Brody and her heart finally started beating again.

 “Well, if it isn’t Sailorman Lovett. You need to talk to Gigi and tell her that I can be a dangerous enemy. She needs to know what I am capable of.”

 “Get out.” Brody said in a flat tone.

 “Well, look at you getting all proprietary at Viki’s house.”

 “Do you want me to carry you out?”

 Dorian ignored Brody and stepped around him. “Gigi, may I have your final answer.”

 “Yes, that answer is…ummmm let me see. That’s a hell no.”

 Brody glanced at Gigi and then nodded his head. He placed his hand gently on Dorian’s shoulder. “Time to go.”

 “I will remember this. Both of you remember that. I never forget.”

 “Yeah,” he said.

 Dorian huffed and stalked out of the door. Brody slammed the door behind her.

 Gigi collapsed on the couch. “Thank you. That woman drives me insane.”

 “I know. Are you okay?”

 “Yes. I’m fine. What are you doing here?”

 “You sure you’re okay?”

 “I’m fine.”

 He studied her for a second then nodded again. He reached into the inner pocket of his jacket and pulled out a set of folded pages.

 “I brought these. I thought you could sign them and I can give them to the lawyer to file tomorrow.”

 “What are they?”

 “The divorce papers.”

 “What?”

 “And I’ve got a check here for you, too. We’re doing okay. The opening sales were phenomenal.  I think Midnight Motors is a winner.”

 “I don’t want your money.”

 “We already talked about this. It’s what I want to do at least until you and Balsom get your act together. I want to take care of my son.”

 “Brody, that makes no sense—“

 “Dad!”

 She looked at the door just as Shane rushed in.

 Shane rushed next to Brody. “What are you doing here?”

 “Hey,” Brody said and hugged him. “I just had a few things to talk to your mother about.”

 “Can you stay for dinner? Mom made a casserole yesterday and we’re heating up today. It was really good. He can stay can’t he, mom?”

 “I’m sure he has plans.”

 “No he doesn’t. Stay, Dad.”

 Brody glanced at her and then nodded his head. “Okay. Your mom and I can talk after dinner.”

Gigi pulled her legs up onto the couch and then tucked them under as she brushed away her tears. The casserole was great, it was the after after-dinner part that sucked. Brody and Shane had played videogames for an hour or so after dinner then Shane had gone to bed. Brody told him stories until Shane fell asleep then he came downstairs and pulled those damn papers out of his pocket again. She did everything she could to avoid signing them but he insisted. Then he left. He left her. And all she could do was sit on the couch and cry.

Grace might have had an ulterior motive but she realized finally that she was telling the truth. Brody was as nice to her on this night as he’d ever been to her, but when she looked in his eyes she didn’t see the love that had been there almost from the moment they met. He was gone and the loneliness she felt almost suffocated her.

Everyone tried to tell her what a fool she was being but she couldn’t hear for some reason. Rex had not only made her blind. He’d made her deaf. Viki tried to tell her, Layla tried to tell her, Marcie tried to tell her and even Grace tried and it had all sounded like static. So much more noise. Now suddenly she could see and hear clearly and he was gone.

Maybe.

She picked up the phone and called Layla then looked around for her car keys.

CHAPTER 6
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